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Parking and traffic improvements at Queenstown Airport in New Zealand will enable passengers to be dropped more quickly after new lanes are introduced in front of the terminal on July 1, 2017.

Previously used by coaches, the area has been expanded to two lanes and will be a free two-minute parking area for drop-offs only. The curbside drop-offs have been introduced as part of a NZ$4.6m (US$3.4m) parking and traffic improvement plan which has been completed over 18 months.

Other works included the construction of a new 150-space Park and Ride facility, which opened on June 22, and is set to double capacity to 300 spaces in December. Together, the changes will increase the airport’s overall car parking capacity by 70% in a 12-month period.

New parking technology will also help traffic flow, with ‘Tap & Go’ being introduced in terminal car parks A and B, enabling customers to pay by credit or debit card.

Colin Keel, chief executive, Queenstown Airport, said, “We’ve worked hard to provide locals and visitors with a range of affordable parking options which include expanding public parking at the terminal, introducing a lower cost Park and Ride offering, and increasing staff car parking. We have also addressed some pressure points associated with the significant increase in passenger numbers and community growth in recent years.

“Bringing back a quick, convenient way to drop off travelers without going into the main car park was the number one piece of feedback we received from locals. We originally moved drop-offs there because of safety concerns, but the improvements mean it can now be safely reinstated.

“We’ve listened to feedback from residents and visitors and done our best to achieve a strong balance between options, affordability and convenience.”